Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic also says they expect a tough game against Esteghlal but they are determined to win the match at the Azadi Stadium.

They are now third in Group D, level with Al Rayyan on three points but separated on goal difference. Esteghlal are top on five points, while Al Hilal are bottom on two.

Al Ain of the UAE will meet Esteghlal in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Matchday Four of the AFC Champions League on Monday.

“We expect a difficult match. Esteghlal played very well last week and they got a good result in their away match. But we can defeat them if we keep confidence in our game,” Mamic said.

Mamic said they are not afraid of playing ahead of 100,000 spectators.

“As I’ve already said, we’ve come here to enjoy the football,” the Croat stated.

“Esteghlal take advantage of a good coach and several good players. They are a better team than they were last year. They have been inspired by German football but we also are a better team than we were last year,” Mamic concluded.

Reporting by Masoud Hossein